John Gibney - Jewelry Artist
Born in Tampa, FL. Loves to Be Creative: previously made high-fired porcelain pottery; at the current time, uses the skills of lapidary and silverwork to transform natural stones and sterling silver into bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, boxes, earrings and something new every week. more>>
Born in Tampa, FL. Loves to Be Creative: previously made high-fired porcelain pottery; at the current time, uses the skills of lapidary and silverwork to transform natural stones and sterling silver into bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, boxes, earrings and something new every week. more>>
Kimberley Packard - Fiber Artist, Photographer, MAC instructor and Guild Membership Chairman and Outdoor Committee Chair
My name is Kimberley Packard and I am KC Creations' owner and maker. This business originally started as a small hobby in my hometown of Naples in Southwest Florida. I would crochet blankets for family members and friends and give them as gifts on special occasions. Over time, I would receive special requests for custom blankets and it was then that I decided to grow my hobby into a small, local business. more>>
My name is Kimberley Packard and I am KC Creations' owner and maker. This business originally started as a small hobby in my hometown of Naples in Southwest Florida. I would crochet blankets for family members and friends and give them as gifts on special occasions. Over time, I would receive special requests for custom blankets and it was then that I decided to grow my hobby into a small, local business. more>>
Sheryl Bessette - Watercolor Painter and MAC Art Instructor
I have always been intrigued by the softness exhibited in a watercolor painting. This interest led me to a beginner watercolor class in 2008 and I have been enjoying this magical medium ever since. My paintings and style have become an expression of how I see God's beautiful creations whether they are the mountains, trees, flowers or animals. more>>
I have always been intrigued by the softness exhibited in a watercolor painting. This interest led me to a beginner watercolor class in 2008 and I have been enjoying this magical medium ever since. My paintings and style have become an expression of how I see God's beautiful creations whether they are the mountains, trees, flowers or animals. more>>
Kathleen Borchelt - Painter and Drawing Artist
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting. Focusing in on a degree in education, I chose art as my major. This inspired and allowed me to formally develop experience in drawing, painting, and sculpture. My love and appreciation for art continued to grow. more>>
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting. Focusing in on a degree in education, I chose art as my major. This inspired and allowed me to formally develop experience in drawing, painting, and sculpture. My love and appreciation for art continued to grow. more>>
Joyce Clair - Watercolor and Alcohol Ink Painter and MAC Art Instructor
Joyce shares her enthusiasm for watercolor painting with students. Her beginner watercolor series are held at ArtWorks, Blue Ridge Art Center, and Helen Art & Heritage Center. Joyce encourages students to be bold and fearless as mistakes can usually be fixed. Joyce demonstrates tips to control watercolor but also how to allow watercolor to flow on paper for beautiful and spontaneous results. more>>
Joyce shares her enthusiasm for watercolor painting with students. Her beginner watercolor series are held at ArtWorks, Blue Ridge Art Center, and Helen Art & Heritage Center. Joyce encourages students to be bold and fearless as mistakes can usually be fixed. Joyce demonstrates tips to control watercolor but also how to allow watercolor to flow on paper for beautiful and spontaneous results. more>>
Jim Allsopp - Photographer and Stained Glass Artist and Education Chairman
Jim has had an interest in photography since he got his first 35 mm camera when he was in college. Originally from Chicago, Jim now enjoys hiking and exploring here in the Smoky Mountains, and he travels extensively throughout the country. Jim’s emphasis is landscapes and nature. more>>
Jim has had an interest in photography since he got his first 35 mm camera when he was in college. Originally from Chicago, Jim now enjoys hiking and exploring here in the Smoky Mountains, and he travels extensively throughout the country. Jim’s emphasis is landscapes and nature. more>>
Kelly Kennon - Photographer
My love of nature and wildlife is evident in my subjects I chose to photograph. I will spend hours sitting and observing wildlife to understand their behaviors. Once you learn the behaviors of the animal you want to photograph you have a much better chance of photographing them acting naturally. more>>
My love of nature and wildlife is evident in my subjects I chose to photograph. I will spend hours sitting and observing wildlife to understand their behaviors. Once you learn the behaviors of the animal you want to photograph you have a much better chance of photographing them acting naturally. more>>
Deborah Larsen - Photographer
Deborah Larsen grew up on Long Island in New York State. She received her first camera on her 8th birthday, nearly 60 years ago. She immediately began taking photographs, and hasn’t stopped since! Deborah studied art and photography at North Country Community College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, receiving an Associate in Arts degree. more>>
Deborah Larsen grew up on Long Island in New York State. She received her first camera on her 8th birthday, nearly 60 years ago. She immediately began taking photographs, and hasn’t stopped since! Deborah studied art and photography at North Country Community College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, receiving an Associate in Arts degree. more>>
|
Debra Vanderlaan - Photographer and Digital Artist and Murphy Art Xplosion Chair and Programs Chair
Retiring from a 30-year career as owner of the largest flower shop in Palm Beach County, Florida, Debra now volunteers full-time with the Valley River Arts Guild writing grants and organizing many of the Murphy Art Center's exhibits. Debra states: "My main focus is landscape photography and also vintage subjects such as old trucks, barns, and bicycles. I use interesting processes and textures in my work and clients often think my images look like paintings when seen at art fairs and shows. more>> |
Dave Vanderlaan - Photographer and Communications Chair and Audit Chair
Dave owned his own large wholesale plant nursery in S Florida for 30 years. He retired to Murphy, NC, spending his time hiking and volunteering with the Valley River Arts Guild at The MAC.
Dave's art style is very balanced, his images portraying an amazing knack for composition.
He specializes in creating Kaleidoscope trees with photography, as well as capturing many vintage objects from all over the world, from boats and canoes to old barns.
Dave owned his own large wholesale plant nursery in S Florida for 30 years. He retired to Murphy, NC, spending his time hiking and volunteering with the Valley River Arts Guild at The MAC.
Dave's art style is very balanced, his images portraying an amazing knack for composition.
He specializes in creating Kaleidoscope trees with photography, as well as capturing many vintage objects from all over the world, from boats and canoes to old barns.
Robert C. Karl - Writer
I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby. Combining prose, poetic structure, images and computer calligraphy, I observe and report on various aspects of the human condition. more>>
I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby. Combining prose, poetic structure, images and computer calligraphy, I observe and report on various aspects of the human condition. more>>
Julie Lindsay - Painter
Julie Lindsay is a British artist who works in oils and acrylics. Her semi abstract and surrealist work focuses on wild creatures and spirit animals—
from wolves, bears, birds and horses, to angels and surreal landscapes.
Lindsay was born in England and spent 25 years as an international TV journalist.
She now lives in the North Carolina mountains and travels regularly as an Executive Communications Coach for a number of Fortune 500 companies. When not traveling or painting, you’ll find her behind her drum kit, playing tennis, or spending time in nature with her Siberian husky, Bandit and golden retriever, Sunday.
from wolves, bears, birds and horses, to angels and surreal landscapes.
Lindsay was born in England and spent 25 years as an international TV journalist.
She now lives in the North Carolina mountains and travels regularly as an Executive Communications Coach for a number of Fortune 500 companies. When not traveling or painting, you’ll find her behind her drum kit, playing tennis, or spending time in nature with her Siberian husky, Bandit and golden retriever, Sunday.
Rita Skabinska - Fiber Artist
Growing up in Eastern Europe (then the Soviet Union), girls learned crafting in middle school as a mandatory subject. We also had our grandmothers and mothers practicing knitting and crocheting at home. I can definitely say - crafting was in my blood! 😊 We knitted/crocheted for practical use (wearables for kids and adults), for decorations (dollies), and for gifts and legacy.
When I discovered Japanese style amigurumi (crochet stuffed animals) I knew this was to be my passion for life. I love colors: Playing” with them - combining 2-3 on a project, and I love variety! My little customers always give me new ideas of creatures to make.
Growing up in Eastern Europe (then the Soviet Union), girls learned crafting in middle school as a mandatory subject. We also had our grandmothers and mothers practicing knitting and crocheting at home. I can definitely say - crafting was in my blood! 😊 We knitted/crocheted for practical use (wearables for kids and adults), for decorations (dollies), and for gifts and legacy.
When I discovered Japanese style amigurumi (crochet stuffed animals) I knew this was to be my passion for life. I love colors: Playing” with them - combining 2-3 on a project, and I love variety! My little customers always give me new ideas of creatures to make.
Steve Riedel - Stained Glass Artist
Steve was born in Lafayette Indiana and always worked on projects with his dad. Together they built a boat, soap box derby cars and many furniture pieces.
Steve has a degree in construction engineering and general contracting, concentrating primarily on residential construction projects. His parents discovered Murphy while on a motorhome trip,fell in love with the area, and purchased a lot. Steve spent vacations helping dad build a retirement cabin, acquiring the property next to his parents. Steve moved to Murphy in '08 and spent several years building another house.
Steve’s father attended a stained-glass class at John Campbell folk school and showed him how to make a butterfly. Steve fell in love with the craft and continued to experiment with bigger projects. He very much enjoys the creative process and working with his hands.
Steve has a degree in construction engineering and general contracting, concentrating primarily on residential construction projects. His parents discovered Murphy while on a motorhome trip,fell in love with the area, and purchased a lot. Steve spent vacations helping dad build a retirement cabin, acquiring the property next to his parents. Steve moved to Murphy in '08 and spent several years building another house.
Steve’s father attended a stained-glass class at John Campbell folk school and showed him how to make a butterfly. Steve fell in love with the craft and continued to experiment with bigger projects. He very much enjoys the creative process and working with his hands.
Jane Payne - Jewelry artist
Barbara Keyes - Painter
Steven Inglima - Photographer
Carrie Keohane - Glass Artist, Photographer, and Guild Vice President
Thurman "T.W." Breedlove - Painter
Tina Fimbel - Photographer
Daniel Ferrera - Photographer
Venetia Carey - Photographer
I began my photography journey as a teen when my dad gave me my first Konica camera. I have always had a heartfelt love for nature, and photography helped me express this passion.
I took a photography class in High School and was a member of the Jacksonville Florida Camera Club for several years. I entered many photo competitions and outings with other photographers which helped me improve my techniques, winning some awards.
I rarely go anywhere without my camera, always observing my surroundings for that next amazing view that God has created. I’m honored to share that with others.
I took a photography class in High School and was a member of the Jacksonville Florida Camera Club for several years. I entered many photo competitions and outings with other photographers which helped me improve my techniques, winning some awards.
I rarely go anywhere without my camera, always observing my surroundings for that next amazing view that God has created. I’m honored to share that with others.
David and Garett Gallus - Wood Artists
Kathy Alpert - Mosaic Artist and Store Chair
Melanie Kolifrath - Glass Artist and Guild Secretary
Liisa Cull - Baskets and Gourd Artist
Karen "KK" Roberts - Wood & Fluid Paint Art & Community Board member
"KK" was raised in West Palm Beach; her mother a painter in oils and watercolors. KK's first endeavor was painting. She was self-employed as a designer of home decor for holidays and special occasions. In 1983, KK's family vacationed in the mountains, and she loved the peace and tranquility of our area.
In 2003, she was introduced to woodworking, wood burning and designing with mixed media.
KK moved to Young Harris where she enjoys building benches, charcuterie boards and filling special orders, including coffee bars.
Expanding her fluid art creating wall art and bases for pine needle baskets, she truly enjoys poured paint and the outcome of fluid art.
"KK" was raised in West Palm Beach; her mother a painter in oils and watercolors. KK's first endeavor was painting. She was self-employed as a designer of home decor for holidays and special occasions. In 1983, KK's family vacationed in the mountains, and she loved the peace and tranquility of our area.
In 2003, she was introduced to woodworking, wood burning and designing with mixed media.
KK moved to Young Harris where she enjoys building benches, charcuterie boards and filling special orders, including coffee bars.
Expanding her fluid art creating wall art and bases for pine needle baskets, she truly enjoys poured paint and the outcome of fluid art.
|
|
|
Joshua Gaines - Painter and Wood sign artist
|
Alana Kolifrath - Clay Artist, Painter, and Guild director at Large
|
|
Holly Viccaro - Painter and multi media crafts
|
|
Lisa Gadigian - Basket Artist and Guild President
Lisa was born and raised in Zebulon, Georgia.
Both grandmothers loved southern art, crochet, painting and small woodworking and instructed her in these as a child. Her dad had a huge influence with his self-taught building and design skills. Her mom taught her excellent cooking skills!
Lisa started creating with jewelry, especially earrings, then moved into polymer clay, and became president of the Atlanta Polymer Clay guild.
Lisa retired to Blairsville, Georgia with husband Matt, and began making baskets, later joining a group at OASIS, and learning Appalachian basketball weaving from a special friend. She has a love for all utilitarian baskets and loves teaching basket weaving.
Both grandmothers loved southern art, crochet, painting and small woodworking and instructed her in these as a child. Her dad had a huge influence with his self-taught building and design skills. Her mom taught her excellent cooking skills!
Lisa started creating with jewelry, especially earrings, then moved into polymer clay, and became president of the Atlanta Polymer Clay guild.
Lisa retired to Blairsville, Georgia with husband Matt, and began making baskets, later joining a group at OASIS, and learning Appalachian basketball weaving from a special friend. She has a love for all utilitarian baskets and loves teaching basket weaving.
|
|
|
Michael Wolford - Custom Pens and Wood Artist
John Hoshaw - Slate and Stone Artist
|
|
Christina Randall - Fiber Artist
Jim Clayton - Photographer
|
Jim, a native of Orlando Florida, was recognized by teachers with a creative side along with his athleticism. Years after high school he took an interest in photography, attending Valencia Community College to earn his AA degree in art and then his BA.
He worked in the movie industry as construction coordinator and assistant art director, also teaching photography in Valencia Community College. Jim has exhibited at Southeastern art shows, and as an award-winning photographer, he's always surprised people actually buy his work. Jim realizes that you never retire from art: it is a lifelong commitment, hunting with his camera in search of the truth about himself, to unravel mysteries of life, art, and the world we live in. |
|
Scott Pientka - Photographer
Scott is a photographer from Chicago. He is also a Chef.
He has photographed many National Parks and foreign locations with a focus on nature and landscapes in black and white as well as in color.
Scott specializes in printing on metal.
He is retired from a family-owned plumbing business and recently worked as a chef at an Alaskan resort in order to photograph Alaska during those six months.
Scott is a photographer from Chicago. He is also a Chef.
He has photographed many National Parks and foreign locations with a focus on nature and landscapes in black and white as well as in color.
Scott specializes in printing on metal.
He is retired from a family-owned plumbing business and recently worked as a chef at an Alaskan resort in order to photograph Alaska during those six months.
|
|
|
Chris Broomfield - Wood Artist
Chris began working in a kitchen cabinet shop while in high school. Along with shop classes in high school, he was drawn to woodworking.
He began wood house construction and a kitchen cabinet business for 10 years before going back to school at SUNY in Buffalo.
Chris moved to Florida teaching computer drafting for 25 years, then purchased property in NC, where he cut lumber and milled wood for his Timber Frame home.
His art now includes band-saw jewelry boxes, interesting wood charcutier boards, and intricate table furniture.
Chris began working in a kitchen cabinet shop while in high school. Along with shop classes in high school, he was drawn to woodworking.
He began wood house construction and a kitchen cabinet business for 10 years before going back to school at SUNY in Buffalo.
Chris moved to Florida teaching computer drafting for 25 years, then purchased property in NC, where he cut lumber and milled wood for his Timber Frame home.
His art now includes band-saw jewelry boxes, interesting wood charcutier boards, and intricate table furniture.
|
|
Beth Sharrin - Photographer
I received my first camera as a gift at 10 years of age. Since that time, I was bitten by the photo bug. Once I retired from my career, I hit the ground running, learning different aspects of photography.
I have my photos displayed in the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts and here in the Murphy Art Center. I have done private commissions, as well as photo shoots, etc. I also do light wood working, very light gardening and decorate cowboy hats, etc.
Coming from NYC, these mountains breathe a breath of fresh air into us all.
I received my first camera as a gift at 10 years of age. Since that time, I was bitten by the photo bug. Once I retired from my career, I hit the ground running, learning different aspects of photography.
I have my photos displayed in the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts and here in the Murphy Art Center. I have done private commissions, as well as photo shoots, etc. I also do light wood working, very light gardening and decorate cowboy hats, etc.
Coming from NYC, these mountains breathe a breath of fresh air into us all.
|
|
|
|
Cathy Signund - Painter
Hello I am Cathy Sigmund. I started drawing in the 3rd grade, mostly sketching with charcoals, and by 9th grade, I had graduated into oils.
I continued painting in college and have been painting for 50 years, dabbling in landscapes now and then with a passion for painting whimsical wildlife including bears, birds, wolves, and flowers.
My goal is to paint something that brings a smile to my own face, with hopes that it does the same for others.
I am also a liver transplant recipient with three years in and going strong, and have now happily retired here in Murphy N.C.
Hello I am Cathy Sigmund. I started drawing in the 3rd grade, mostly sketching with charcoals, and by 9th grade, I had graduated into oils.
I continued painting in college and have been painting for 50 years, dabbling in landscapes now and then with a passion for painting whimsical wildlife including bears, birds, wolves, and flowers.
My goal is to paint something that brings a smile to my own face, with hopes that it does the same for others.
I am also a liver transplant recipient with three years in and going strong, and have now happily retired here in Murphy N.C.
Heather H Gallagher Photography
Spreads Pixel Dust on Land and Seascapes.
Her photography has been on exhibit in places such as:
* Palladio Museum in Vicenza, Italy “Jefferson and Palladio: Constructing a New World”
* Idaho State Historical Museum, Boise, Idaho
* Agora Gallery, Chelsea District of New York City
* C'ville Coffee, Charlottesville, Virginia
* Valley View Hospital, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Additionally, Heather's photos have appeared on the covers over Point Lobos and Cultivate magazines as well as licensed through Richard Lewis Media Group and ImageBrief.
Heather has captured the images of celebrities and public figures that include: Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Ray Romano, Huey Lewis, Kenny G, and more. She was also a featured blogger on the Huffington Post for several years. www.HeatherHummelPhotography.com
Spreads Pixel Dust on Land and Seascapes.
Her photography has been on exhibit in places such as:
* Palladio Museum in Vicenza, Italy “Jefferson and Palladio: Constructing a New World”
* Idaho State Historical Museum, Boise, Idaho
* Agora Gallery, Chelsea District of New York City
* C'ville Coffee, Charlottesville, Virginia
* Valley View Hospital, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Additionally, Heather's photos have appeared on the covers over Point Lobos and Cultivate magazines as well as licensed through Richard Lewis Media Group and ImageBrief.
Heather has captured the images of celebrities and public figures that include: Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Ray Romano, Huey Lewis, Kenny G, and more. She was also a featured blogger on the Huffington Post for several years. www.HeatherHummelPhotography.com
|
|
|